The one who’s really, really impressed me is Benedikt Höwedes because he’s playing out of position. He’s never played at left back before in his life but he’s having a first-rate World Cup. So, the most astonishing player for me is Höwedes.

The World Cup tournament overall and, naturally, the new stadiums at its heart, are the ideal platform to portray Germany as a positive and exceptional location, and above all of course, as a highly capable economic location.

Possession means nothing when the opponent takes its chances

For example, Michael Jordan earns $100million a year but continues to play basketball and remains a modest human being.

We are the last remaining country to allow ourselves two breaks in the season. You just have to look at England, Italy and Spain, they play right through the season. We on the other hand take six weeks off in the winter until the end of January, and that is a luxury.

Germany needs to have a handicap, like in golf. They ought to start each match with two goals in advance to their opposition.

George Best was one of the most talented players of all time and probably the best footballer who never made it to a major world final.